The “Connect & Care” activity was successfully implemented yesterday, Wednesday, June 24, as part of the “Cultivating Futures for Migrants” program run by the NGO IASIS.
The project is funded under the Swiss-Greek Cooperation (Second Swiss Contribution), under the supervision of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, with the aim of promoting the social inclusion, relief, well-being, and active participation of unaccompanied minors.
The activity took place in an atmosphere of creativity, cooperation, and joy, offering children the opportunity to take part in games, sports and artistic activities, as well as recreational events that strengthened both the bonds among themselves and their interaction with the local community. Through the power of sport, art, and creative play, the children experienced the value of inclusion, cooperation, and mutual respect.
At the same time, the activity provided an important opportunity for experiential dialogue and awareness-raising on mental health issues, highlighting the importance of creating safe spaces for expression, participation, and social connection.
We extend our warm thanks to the representatives of the Swiss Government: Erika Laubacher-Kubat, Director of European Cooperation; Marijana Rakic, Head of the Swiss Contribution Office; and Konstantinos Mourtezas, National Programme Officer of the Swiss Contribution Office, for their continued support of initiatives that promote social cohesion, inclusion, and the mental well-being of vulnerable young people.
We would equally like to thank the representatives of the local authorities: Maria Vakinti, Deputy Councilor for Social Welfare Affairs of the Municipality of Eastern Samos; Yannis Doukellis, associate of the Member of Parliament for Samos, Mr. Stefanadis; as well as the former Mayor of Eastern Samos, Georgios Stantzos, who honored the activity with their presence. The NGO IASIS remains committed to developing and implementing activities that strengthen inclusion, psychological resilience, and the creation of strong bonds between people, contributing to the shaping of more open, supportive, and resilient societies.
